Trails

Fort Chambly National Historic Site

The outdoor areas of the Fort Chambly National Historic Site appeal to both history buffs and nature lovers.

Take a stroll along the trails and enjoy the picnic tables and grassy area for a meal or a rest.

Important information

Pets are allowed on the trails and outdoor areas, but are not allowed inside the buildings of Fort Chambly National Historic Site.

For safety reasons, cycling is not permitted within the Fort Chambly National Historic Site.

Fort Chambly National Historic Site is located in an area where there is a risk of Lyme disease transmitted by blacklegged ticks. Learn how to protect yourself by visiting the Health Canada website.

Please see the Visitor guidelines page for more details.

 

Fort Chambly park trails

One family, including a man, a woman, and a young girl, are walking along a gravel path toward Fort Chambly in the early evening during the summer.

This is your chance to explore several gravel trails and paved paths along the river and around the fort, where you can admire both nature and the building's architecture.

Throughout your walk, you can read interpretation panels that will immerse you in the history of Fort Chambly. You will discover historical information that will fuel your curiosity before you visit the fort's exhibitions.

Distance: approximately 1.2 km of trails in total

Use: hicker icon Walking trail

Starting points: you can access the trails from parking lot P1 on Rue de Bourgogne, from the guardhouse at the corner of Rue de Richelieu and Rue du Parc, or from parking lot P2 southwest of the guardhouse.

Points of interest

  • The Fort Chambly commemorative plaque, located southwest of the fort.
  • The fort cemetery, located northwest of parking lot P1, along the Richelieu River, where you can see the Chambly Basin and a monument commemorating American General John Thomas, who died in 1776.
  • The section of the trail that follows the riverbank with a view of the Montérégie peaks.
  • The section of the trail near the picnic area, where replicas of former French and British soldiers can be seen.
  • The guardhouse, located east of the park, where the portage trail once stood.

Picnic and recreation

One family, including a dad, mom, grandparents, and two little girls, are enjoying a picnic on the grass at Fort Chambly National Historic Site.

Come enjoy the vast wooded park near the Richelieu rapids and its open spaces every day until 11 pm.

The picnic area is the perfect place to enjoy a meal while listening to the soothing sound of the rapids. Several tables are available, some of which are accessible to people with reduced mobility. Please note, however, that the picnic area is not covered in case of rain.

Finally, kick back and relax in Parks Canada's red chairs for a breathtaking view of the river.

New for 2025: a perfect picnic

The Fort Chambly National Historic Site and Allard Traiteur (website in French only) are offering you the chance to both enjoy a delicious picnic and a visit of the fort. Treat yourself with a combo that includes a visit to Fort Chambly and a delicious ready-to-eat meal from Allard Traiteur, prepared exclusively for Fort Chambly.

 

Cupcakes and a sandwich presented in cute boxes and prepared by Allard Traiteur.

 

The steps are simple:

  • Order a picnic by by visiting the website of Allard Traiteur (website in French only).
  • Pick up your gourmet bag at Allard Traiteur, located at 1702 Bourgogne Avenue in Chambly.
  • If you wish, you can pick up a Parks Canada tablecloth at the visitor centre desk of Fort Chambly.
  • Choose the perfect spot for a picnic in the beautiful Fort Chambly Park where picnic tables are available.
  • Finally, enjoy your meal! Psst, ask the Fort Chambly staff about their favorite spots in the park for a perfect picnic.

Don’t forget to visit the fort before or after your picnic and enjoy the exhibitions and activities for both young and old.

Note: although the admission to Fort Chambly is free until September 2, 2025, as part of the Canada Strong Pass, you will find a "2 for 1" access coupon for Fort Chambly in your picnic gourmet bag. Stay tuned for events...the fort will be open until October 13, 2025.

Other attractions nearby

Bike paths

Just a few steps away from the Chambly Canal National Historic Site is a bicycle trail that offers a 20-kilometre course that follows the Chambly Canal all the way to St-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

As a courtesy to other park users, we ask cyclists to walk next to their bicycle when on the grounds of Chambly Canal National Historic Site and Fort Chambly National Historic Site.

Shops and restaurants

Fort Chambly National Historic Site is just a few minutes away from many restaurants, cafés and shops in Chambly.

Visit the Local attractions and tourism page for more details.

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